Program coordinator helps make humanities more accessible to the public

Eliott Reeder  | Program Coordinator | Hall Center for the Humanities

An important element of research is how it enters the public sphere. In STEM fields, this often takes the form of patents and technology commercialization. Social scientists may produce reports for nonprofits or policymakers to develop more efficient programs. And in the humanities, this sometimes looks like helping the public better understand their lives and communities through history, literature, philosophy and countless other disciplines.

Eliott Reeder is one of the people who makes that happen. He began working for the Hall Center for the Humanities seven years ago and has held several positions that support the center’s mission.

“Eliott has an amazing work ethic. Whether it is a program he is running or a problem with the building, he is able to identify what is needed and get it done,” said Andrew Hodgson, assistant director of the Hall Center. “He has always been willing to chip in and help staff, faculty and visitors with whatever they may need.”

Reeder started at the Hall Center as scholarly programs coordinator before becoming its communications coordinator. Last June he transitioned into the role of program coordinator.

He spearheads Haunting Humanities, a Halloween-themed event where humanities scholars showcase their disciplines to the public with interactive exhibits. Reeder gave feedback to presenters preparing for the evening, worked with local businesses and served as the DJ.

“He is one of the only staff members that experienced the two previous iterations, and he was essential in planning and executing the event,” Hodgson said. “It would not have been possible without him.”

Reeder’s own humanities background has served him well in welcoming more than 50 fellows to the Hall Center, leading and promoting hundreds of public programs, and working on at least 18 publications.

“Eliott is a true believer in the importance and value of the humanities,” Hodgson said. “He’s the heart of the Hall Center, and so much of what we do couldn’t happen without him.”